Making a case for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its negative impact on both acute and elective care and decline in available inpatient resources, there is an imperative to maximize safe and effective alternatives to inpatient hospital care. Properly governed outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) services embed the principles of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) (including use of early oral therapy) and support admission avoidance and early discharge for a growing range of patient groups with complex infections through well-organized multidisciplinary team working. Expansion of OPAT aligns with the UK's national strategy to deliver care closer to home and cost-effectively maximize use of inpatient resources. OPAT serves as an exemplar to other ambulatory services and presents opportunities for developing and assuring AMS strategies within the rapidly developing hospital-at-home and virtual ward environments.